Residents / Visitors

Ellis Pond Watershed Committee

BACKGROUND:Over the spring and summer of 2014, the Ellis Pond Watershed Committee (EPWC), with local donations and technical support of the Volunteer Lakes Monitoring Program (VLMP) and Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), organized a watershed survey for Ellis (Roxbury)Pond. The survey effort was prompted by the brief, but intense, algae bloom on the lake in September 2013 and growing concern about the lake’s water quality.

The main purpose of the survey was to identify and prioritize sources of pollution to the lake from its watershed. The watershed (see map at right) covers 26 square miles and includes all the land the drains to the lake through a network of streams and ditches. Polluted runoff—and the nutrients attached to eroded soil particles—is the largest source of pollution to Maine’ s lakes. The survey goal was to identify these problem areas.

In addition, the survey aimed to: Raise public awareness about the connection between land use and water quality. Inspire people to become active stewards. Use the information to develop a long-term lake protection strategy.